Degree Apprenticeships Increase in Popularity

Degree apprenticeships, consisting of university studies and work, are close to becoming a significant success, according to a new report from Universities UK.

Nearly 5,000 people will begin degree apprenticeships for the 2017-18 academic year, representing an eight-fold increase on when the scheme was launched in 2015.

The report also found the scheme was reaching people who would not otherwise have gone to university.

The degree apprenticeship scheme operates across England and Wales, but is open to applicants from throughout the UK.

The study into the scheme found that at least 60 higher education institutions were looking to introduce degree apprenticeships from September and that by then more than 7,600 people will be enrolled on degree apprenticeship courses.

The report suggested the current growth was driven by the need to meet skills shortages, with chartered management, digital and technology solutions and engineering the top three areas of provision.

However, there is still room for improvement with the report finding that awareness of the scheme among individuals and employers was too low.

Researches have therefore urged government and universities to increase efforts to "publicise and improve understanding of degree apprenticeships and their fundamental role in supporting social mobility and raising productivity."